Both teams started with a 4-3-3 formation. 

West Ham XI:
Arnold (GK)
Redisch Kvamme, Fisk, Flaherty, Vetterline (Joel 73)
Van Egmond, Longhurst (Cho 59) Dali
Leon (Lehmann 59) Thomas (Svitkova 59) Daly


Manchester United XI:
Earps (GK),
A.Turner, McManus, M. Turner, Ökvist
Toone (Staniforth 76) Zelem (Ladd 68) Groenen
Heath (Hanson 62)  Russo (Press 77) Galton

  • Story of the match

Manchester United put instant pressure on West Ham with both Leah Galton and Tobin Heath as playmakers for the Red's. From their respective sides of the pitch, they served their teammates with dangerous crosses and passes into West Ham's box. Within the first 15 minutes, United could've scored more than one goal. 

In the 20th minute, Alessia Russo netted after a delicate pass from Galton right in front of the goal where West Ham's defence struggled to get a hold of the ball. A few minutes later Russo was in the spotlight again when she assisted Heath to her first goal in the Women's Super League. Within 25 minutes, United had the lead; 2-0. 

A slight hold of breath before the first half's 30 minutes had passed when Galton and Katie Longhurst bumped into each other's heads and had to be checked carefully for head injuries. Longhurst got a bandage around her head, and both players could continue the match. 

Again, Kenza Dali was involved with a goal for the Hammers. Dali storms forward on the right-hand side of the pitch and serves a perfect cross into the box, making it impossible for Mary Earps to stop Emily Van Egmond's header to make it 2-1.  

Embed from Getty Images

The Red Devils answer to conceding came straight away. Almost a copy from West Ham's 2-1 goal could be seen when Galton's cross to Russo made it easy for the young England international to head in 3-1  with three minutes left to play of the first half. 

Second half was not starting off in the same tempo and West Ham's defence seemed to manage United's attack in a more controlled way. 

83 minutes in another NWSL player got her first goal of the season; Rachel Daly's cross from the right-hand side was misread from Earps and the United keeper saw the cross from Daly ending up straight in her goal when the Hammers found the much-needed reduction to 3-2.

But like last time West Ham falls back immediately and Christen Press can also start counting goals in the WSL when the American put United in a 4-2 lead from an assist signed Lucy Staniforth after 87 minutes.  

  • Player of the match

It is impossible to leave Alessia Russo's performance unmentioned here. The young England international shows her abilities, and her presence on the pitch clearly shows how important she can be for United throughout this season. Together with Press and Galton, the trio's tempo in the first half made it hard for the West Ham defence to keep up.

  • What's next for West Ham?

After the international break, the Hammers will travel to Madjeski Stadium to take on Reading in the second group stage match of the Continental Cup. This match will take place on November 4th. 

  • What's next for Manchester United?

For United, Everton awaits them in the Continental Cup. The Red Devils will travel to Liverpool to face the Toffees who have had a great start of the season with a secured spot in the FA Cup final vs City at Wembley November 1st.  Everton reached the final after winning vs reigning WSL champions Chelsea with a 2-1 at home on Goodison Park. 

VAVEL Logo
About the author